Pretentiousness in Austin? (Post, West, Rollingwood: appointed, how much, houses)

[artsyguy]

I heard the same stories when I was Austin. I just laughed. Another frequent story I heard was that Dallas was "Republican country" said in a disgusted tone of voice. Ha ha. Dallas is more like a mini-L.A. Plus it is fun and tolerant and the pretentiousness is rare.

I went to South Austin twice. And I don't remember much about it. It seemed nice. At least in Dallas you can drive through the arts district, design district, Deep Ellum, and University of North Texas/Denton, and you will see, plain as day, all of the bohemians (young and old). You will leave the area knowing you just went through the bohemian parts of town. For me every area in Austin blurred together as one.

Originally Posted by + or -

As you may know, I recently transferred to UT from a Dallas university, the city I grew up in. In the five months I've been here, what I've noticed, other than the exaggerated claims of liberalism, is a strong distaste amongst many Austinites in regards to Dallas and a strong degree of conspicuous consumption among many Austinites.

Ironically, the aspect of Dallas life most here seem to despise is the pretentiousness that Dallas (particularly it's northern edge) has become notorious for.

What I find so interesting, and perhaps hypocritical, is that I find Austin has become very pretentious in certain areas, and continues to become more pretentious, according to many Austin natives I've spoken to.

The recent explosion of astronomically-priced apartments and condominiums, chic restaurants, and VIP clubs has definitely given Austin that Dallas/LA feel in many regards. Then, there's the recent uptick in luxury automobiles according to many I've spoken to, as well as generally fashion conscious and fit people, and you can see where I'm going here.

To note, these observations are pretty much confined to downtown, north central Austin, west Austin, and parts of north Austin (Arboretum area). If you want a reality check, go to east Austin, which is still economically disadvantaged, or south Austin, which continues to shun pretentiousness in favor of bohemian artistic expression.

Personally, I don't see anything wrong with any of this, because it means that Austin is growing up and becoming a stronger economic significance in Texas as it continues to attract talent from acros the country.

Clearly Austin is not the city it was twenty, ten, or even five years ago. I think residents, as a whole, need to embrace the changes and understand that conspicuous consumption is a byproduct of a successful economy. That said, I question the baseless attacks on Dallas when Austin is guilty of the very same phenomenon.

What do you think?

[artsyguy]

So you are saying that the hill country in Dallas is ugly?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cFFeTzVU74

Originally Posted by paul6835

Dallas is an ugly, inexpensive sprawl where you can make really good money. Austin is a pretty city that is expensive to live in with lower pay and less career opportunities. People who like material things are going to be drawn to Dallas because it allows them to live that lifestyle. Just look at the places really high end retailers open - it usually goes NY, LA, then Dallas.

Just the fact that you can wear shorts to 90% of the restaraunts here should clue people in. If you think this place is pretentious, I doubt you've ever lived in a major city.

[hoffdano]

Originally Posted by skyao

I will agree with the person who said Austin has more in common with Dallas than it likes to admit. However, I would limit this to geography and climate.

Although many Austin residents like to claim they are like CA, its more like Dallas/Houston from a geography and climate standpoint. Its landlocked, hot, and has alot of suburbs that are similar to the suburbs in Houston and Dallas. Austin is hilly, pretty, or expensive by Texas standards, but really not much more so than Dallas/Houston.

I will disagree with the term pretentious. I think Austin is a much more laid back place to live than Dallas, and I believe this is driven by the UT -college town factor. To me Dallas is a wanna-be LA, where there is more of a hippy-dippy element to Austin.

I think I would describe more annoying Austin attitude as "smug". I particularly find the smugness annoying from people, who have never lived anywhere else outside of the area, who consider it some kind of Shangri-La

And yes, I have lived in both Dallas and Austin.

I think "smug" is a good word to describe some Austin people. Some of the same people that think the city will be harmed if Leslie isn't here.

The laid-back attitude is not just UT - the hordes of tech workers - many from all over - are very laid back and more than a bit sloppy.

[centralaustinite]

Artsyguy!!

You "went to south Austin twice"!!

Shoot, honey. You should have spent much more time here. No wonder you hate Austin. I have nearly 18 years in south Austin. I won't even live north of the river or west of Mopac.

You missed a LOT!

[readymade]

Originally Posted by mark311

This topic always brings me back to the South Park "Smug Alert" episode from a few seasons back. You can watch the full episode for free on their website. It's pretty funny in my opinion, but I guess it could be considered somewhat offensive to some people (as most South Park episodes are edgy).

Smug Alert - Episode Guide - South Park Studios

HAH! I just watched this. Thanks!! I thought it was hysterical... and I even drive a Pious, ahem, I mean Prius.

I guess I drive one because I want to *close my eyes* be part of the solution... not the problem.

Thank youuuuuuuuuuuu

[artsyguy]

I hate to disagree but there are so many people in the UT campus area that it hardly seems laid back. I agree about the sloppiness though.

Originally Posted by hoffdano

I think "smug" is a good word to describe some Austin people. Some of the same people that think the city will be harmed if Leslie isn't here.

The laid-back attitude is not just UT - the hordes of tech workers - many from all over - are very laid back and more than a bit sloppy.

[artsyguy]

South Austin seemed pretty nice. I went to a few stores in the area. What goes on there besides that?

Originally Posted by centralaustinite

Artsyguy!!

You "went to south Austin twice"!!

Shoot, honey. You should have spent much more time here. No wonder you hate Austin. I have nearly 18 years in south Austin. I won't even live north of the river or west of Mopac.

You missed a LOT!

[+ or -]

Austin may not have reached the tipping point that Dallas has, but it still has a very yuppified, stuffy vibe in places. I'm referring to the vibe one gets in certain restaurants downtown/The Domain, clubs, etc.

The places I've been to have been anything but laid back.

[austin-steve]

South Austin seemed pretty nice. I went to a few stores in the area. What goes on there besides that?

You mean, what goes on in South Austin besides an out of towner visiting a couple of stores? You'd have to do more than visit a couple of stores to find out.

A lot goes on in South Austin, especially 78704. It's the cultural hub of Austin. One could spend two weeks in Austin, never leave the 78704 zip code, and report back to friends at home that they had the time of their life and spent every day doing amazing and fun things.

Steve

[austin-steve]

Originally Posted by + or -

Austin may not have reached the tipping point that Dallas has, but it still has a very yuppified, stuffy vibe in places. I'm referring to the vibe one gets in certain restaurants downtown/The Domain, clubs, etc.

The places I've been to have been anything but laid back.

What places have you been to specifically, and what specifically have you observed, heard or experienced that informs your opinion? Thus far, you've shared only vague generalities to support your assertion that Austin is pretentious. Name the restaurant, shop, or wherever, and tell us what your interaction was or what happened to you.

Steve